A relatively slender, medium -large raptor with brown above and white below with black longitudinal streaks on throat and chocolate streaks on breast. In some sub-species there is a crest of four feathers projecting behind the head. Sexes are alike but males are smaller than females.

Describes the general appearance of the taxon; e.g body plan, shape and color of external features, typical postures. May be referred to as or include habit, defined as the characteristic mode of growth or occurrence associated to its environment, particularly for plants. Comprising its size, shape, texture and orientation. Example: tree, shrubs, herbs. May also be referred to include anatomy.

They are generally seen, perched upright on tall trees keeping a lookout for prey. The prey consists of junglefowl, pheasants, hares and other small animals which when sighted, the bird swoops upon and carries away in its talons.

Describes behaviour and behaviour patterns of an organism, including actions and reactions of organism in relation to its biotic and abiotic environment. Includes communication, perception, modes and mechanisms of locomotion, as well as long term strategies (except mating and reproductive strategies, covered under reproduction).

General description of the sites where the species is found (ecosystem, forest, environment or microhabitat). Includes realm (e.g Terrestrial etc) and climatic information (e.g Boreal); also includes requirements and tolerances; horizontal and vertical (altitudinal) distribution. Also includes information referring to territorial extension of the individual or group in terms of its activities (feeding, mating, etc.), associated mostly to vertebrates.

Describes the likelihood of the species becoming extinct in the present day or in the near future. Population size is treated under Population Biology, and trends in population sizes are treated under Trends. However, this is the preferred element if an object includes all of these things and details about conservation listings.